Directv equipment, questions and where to purchase.

Just get a Winegard SWM Automatic system and have it installed!

mrxlh wrote:
Is the new SWM system that much harder to aim than the old systems?

If you mean a Slimline dish on a manual tripod, yes, it will be a challenge at first. But many of us do it regularly.

I understand the Genie has the beeps back whereas the older HD DVRs do not. That should make it much easier. DTV amazes me sometimes with the things they do and refuse to do.

We ordered the DiretTV RV Package and had it shipped to our house. Tripod/Dish, remote, and receiver. Not sure if this still and option, but I know DishTV has a similiar plan.

No. Genies come in two flavors. Wired and wireless. Wired means you will need to string a coax from the splitter to the mini. Wireless as it implies you simply plug the mini into 120VAC and connect a HDMI between the mini and TV. The video bridge is what is used to send the signals wirelessly from the Genie to the mini..
If you want more details on how I have mine setup, send me a PM and I will be glad to email you the details.

donno, are you saying that I would need a Genie, a wirless mini, and a regular mini (3 components)?

Is the new SWM system that much harder to aim than the old systems?

Buying coax, a good crimper and connectors isn't a big deal.

If you have Direct TV in house, just use that receiver on the road.

There are a bunch of online retailers that will sell you everything you need except the coax and connectors. And they will probably sell you those too.
HR44 is the genie right? So, IMHO go with the wireless Genie and one mini Genie. Call Direct back and order the stuff necessary for self install. They should ship it to you with no hassles. They have for me. As far as setup?
Thats a bit more tricky. SWM dish, coax, connectors. If you always have a clear view of the southern sky, the easiest is a Winegard SK-SWM automatic dish mounted on the roof. If you dont want that, then order a full sized dish, tripod from any number of online retailers. Of course with a manual dish of any sort you will have to learn how to setup the dish and align it to the correct sats.
With the Genie and mini you will also get a video bridge that is suppose to be setup about 6 feet away from the Genie. It is also connected to the antenna. It all takes wiring. Coax and connectors are available from big box stores pretty reasonable even for the good stuff. you will need a coax stripper and crimp tool. But those are one time purchases and less than 20 dollars.
You will need to locate a power supply, and SWM splitter, usually near the TV. Run the coax from the dish to the power supply, to the splitter, to the Video bridge and Genie. Then go thru the setup procedures.
With me so far?

You can get a good carryout setup for about $500. See:
TV 4 RV.

To watch two different shows, you'll need two receivers. You can get them on eBay, but DirecTV will have to activate them.